Delegates from Australia’s coal industry are driving a new approach to campaigning and recruitment by working together to coordinate national action. 

In November delegates from Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland met in Sydney to set the agenda and goals for the new organising approach and the establishment of a national senior delegates group.

AMWU Assistant National Secretary Glenn Thompson says the initiative came out of this years’ national conference.

“The coal industry has grown enormously in recent years.  A number of delegates from the industry raised the need for a national group that responded to that growth and the issues that come with it.

“It was important to have key priorities for the next six months.

“The group is working on model clauses to be used in bargaining campaigns, a communication structure that keeps delegates in touch and the mapping of organising targets around the country.

John Kearney from Collie in Western Australia, a 35 year veteran of the coal industry, is heartened by the creation of the group.

“It’s great to know there is moral and financial support from the others around the country, should the need arise. It’s an exciting development.

“Being isolated out here on the west coast, we’re really going to value the opportunity to network with the east coast delegates,” Mr Kearney said.

The volatile nature of the industry, in terms of political debate and the commodity prices means the group has fundamental role to play says Glenn Thompson. 

“Delegates feel it’s imperative that every worker in the industry is represented and participates in the union. This campaign will give them that opportunity.”